Unofficial Office Hours

In this episode, we take a bit of turn and engage in a crossover event, where the Unofficial Official Hours podcasts features content from a the Digital Gardener Initiative's Generative AI Webinar serie (dgi.iu.edu/gen-ai). UOH host, Dr. Justin Hodgson, also leads that series and in the latest webinar he is joined by Dr. Anne Leftwich and Dr. Remi Kalir (both guests and participants on the UOH series). Together they reflect on the past year of rapid change in generative AI while turning attention to what’s coming next in Higher Education and AI. The webinar served as a capstone for the series, but as the content takes up with issues and innovations relative to this podcast, we wanted to expand the reach of that conversation: exploring not only the next wave of possibilities at IU, but some next level projects Remi has been working on Caulde Code.

In this episode of the Unofficial Office Hours podcast, host Justin Hodgson, joined by co-host Miranda Rodak, welcomes Anna Mills—community college writing instructor, AI faculty developer, author, and co-editor of the upcoming Bad Ideas About AI and Writing—for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation about AI, writing, and the future of higher education.The episode begins with a critical examination of agentic AI systems capable of completing coursework on behalf of students, raising urgent questions about autonomy, authorship, and what remains of learning when academic workflows can be fully automated. Drawing on her public advocacy and open letter to major AI companies, Anna reflects on the ethical responsibilities of developers and institutions, and the disproportionate risks these technologies pose for already vulnerable student populations .The conversation then turns to the 4Cs resolution on the right to refuse AI, exploring what meaningful choice looks like in environments where AI tools are increasingly embedded by default, and why refusal can function as a generative and political act rather than simple resistance .In the final segment, the discussion briefly explores the upcoming collection Bad Ideas About AI and Writing (WAC Clearinghouse), examining common misconceptions—particularly the idea that AI is neutral—and why that framework / model felt like the right fit for this conversationA nuanced and deeply informed conversation about AI, pedagogy, equity, and the future of writing and learning in higher education.See Anna's work at annamills.substack.com and/or at annarmills.com

In this episode of the Unofficial Office Hours podcast, host Justin Hodgson is joined by Greg Marschall, CEO of Learnwise.ai, along with co-host Anne Leftwich, for a conversation about the evolving role of AI in supporting teaching, learning, and institutional operations in higher education.Rather than focusing on product features, the discussion explores the broader purpose behind platforms like Learnwise—how AI can help reduce friction across complex educational systems, support student success, and enhance engagement across faculty, staff, and student workflows. The episode also considers what it means to build AI into the everyday infrastructure of higher education and where these tools create real value.In the second half, the conversation turns to Greg’s professional journey, tracing how his experience building systems and platforms led him to education as a space for meaningful problem-solving and impact. A thoughtful discussion about AI, systems design, and the future of learning in higher education.

In this episode of the Unofficial Office Hours Podcast, host Justin Hodgson sits down with Andrew Rosner, Director of Digital Fluency at Franklin College (Franklin, IN), to talk about how faculty and students at a small liberal arts institution are navigating the rapid rise of AI tools. Rather than focusing only on academic integrity concerns, the conversation looks at the broader cultural and educational questions emerging across campus.What are students doing with AI? How are faculty responding? And how might the close-knit, teaching-focused environment of a liberal arts college create opportunities for thoughtful experimentation with new technologies?Andrew shares insights into the conversations happening at Franklin College, the advantages of a tight-knit academic community, and the ways educators can rethink teaching, engagement, and digital fluency in the AI era.If you're curious about how smaller institutions are approaching innovation while staying grounded in their educational mission, this episode offers a thoughtful look at AI, teaching, and the future of the liberal arts.

In this roundtable episode of the Unofficial Office Hours podcast, host Dr. Justin Hodgson is joined by returning guests Dr. Sheneese Thompson, Dr. Kevin Jones, Dr. Miranda Rodak, and Dr. Remi Kalir for a candid conversation about a new frontier in educational technology: agentic AI systems.Tools like Einstein AI and other AI agents (e.g., Openclaw) are beginning to move beyond assisting students with writing or brainstorming. Instead, these systems can autonomously log into learning platforms, watch lectures, read assigned texts, and complete course activities on a student’s behalf. As these capabilities emerge, they raise urgent questions about the future of teaching, learning, and academic integrity.Together, the panel explores what these tools reveal about how courses are designed, why task-based learning environments may be especially vulnerable to automation, and what this moment means for the relationship between effort, engagement, and learning. The conversation also considers broader implications for institutional policy, pedagogy, and the role educators must play in shaping how AI intersects with education.A thoughtful and wide-ranging discussion about AI agents, academic integrity, and the future of learning in higher education.

In this episode of the Unofficial Office Hours podcast, host Justin Hodgson, joined by co-host Remi Kalir, sits down with historian Alex Lichtenstein for a deep dive into the craft of historical practice in the age of generative AI. Rather than asking abstract questions about technology, the conversation begins with something more fundamental: What does a historian actually do? Where does interpretation happen? When does writing become thinking? And how might AI tools alter—or illuminate—those processes?Alex describes himself as a “skeptical evangelist” of AI—deeply cautious about its risks, yet committed to engaging it thoughtfully. Together, the trio explores how generative AI intersects with archival research, authorship, interpretation, and power. They consider how historians are responding to AI within departments and across the field, and what it might mean for the future of historical scholarship and teaching.A reflective and probing conversation about discipline, judgment, and what it means to practice history responsibly in an era of rapidly evolving AI tools.

In this solo episode, host Justin Hodgson explores a classic framework for better thinking—and asks what it might teach us about working with AI.Drawing on Edward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats, this episode maps each “hat” onto practical strategies for engaging AI as a thought partner rather than just a tool. What happens when we deliberately shift from critical mode to creative mode with ChatGPT? How might we use AI for emotional checks, risk analysis, or disciplined optimism? And what does structured thinking look like in an age of generative systems?This episode offers a practical, reflective guide for educators, leaders, and knowledge workers who want to move beyond prompt tricks and toward more intentional cognitive collaboration with AI. If we’re going to think with machines, we might as well do it well.

n this episode of the Unofficial Office Hours podcast, host Justin Hodgson is joined by Dr. Anne Leftwich, Professor of Instructional Systems Technology in the School of Education at Indiana University and Associate Vice President for Learning Technologies in UITS. Dr. Leftwich’s work focuses on the design of technology and computer science education, with particular emphasis on K–12 curriculum development and professional learning for teachers and teacher educators.The conversation centers on the evolving role of AI in education, beginning with how AI is already shaping learning, development, and student readiness in K–12 classrooms—and why those shifts matter deeply for higher education. As students arrive on campus with increasing exposure to AI tools and AI-informed ways of thinking, colleges and universities will need to reconsider long-standing assumptions about teaching, assessment, and preparation for life beyond the institution. A timely discussion about responsibility, readiness, and how educators can thoughtfully prepare students both entering and leaving higher education in a rapidly changing AI landscape.

In this episode of the Unofficial Office Hours podcast, the conversation centers on a challenge many faculty face: how to tell the story of their teaching in ways that are visible, credible, and impactful. Teaching-focused educators do meaningful, innovative work every day, yet often struggle to articulate that work in ways that matter for recognition, advancement, and long-term success.Host Justin Hodgson is joined by Miranda Rodak and Gabrielle Stecher Woodward, the creators of BYTE—Brand Your Teaching Excellence. Together, they explore how branding can be reframed as a form of digital storytelling—one that helps educators clarify their teaching identity, highlight impact, and advocate for their work with intention and clarity. The episode examines how frameworks like BYTE make teaching excellence legible without compromising authenticity, offering timely insights for faculty, academic leaders, and anyone invested in the future of teaching in higher education.

In this episode of the Unofficial Office Hours podcast, host Justin Hodgson is joined once again by Dr. Kevin Jones for a conversation that takes the pulse of artificial intelligence in higher education. The episode opens with a look into the current AI landscape, including what the recent Grok incident reveals about risk, governance, and responsibility for institutions.From there, the conversation turns to Schmitz and Laird’s AI-powered pedagogy article in EDUCAUSE Review and what it suggests for teaching, learning, and faculty practice. The episode closes with forward-looking predictions for 2026, inspired by a recent eSchool News article by Laura Ascione om emerging EdTech and AI trends. A timely discussion for educators and leaders thinking critically about innovation, ethics, and what’s coming next in higher education.Also, referenced in this podcast: 7 AI Decisions That Will Define Higher Education in Forbes Magazine

In this solo episode of the Unofficial Office Hours podcast, host Dr. Justin Hodgson takes a critical look at the recent Grok controversy and what it reveals about the risks of unregulated AI systems. Using the incident as a case study, the episode explores how failures in ethical oversight—ranging from the inappropriate generation of content to culturally and religiously harmful outputs—highlight deeper structural problems in how some AI tools are being developed and deployed.Beyond the specifics of Grok, this episode asks larger, urgent questions for higher education: What happens when institutions partner with or adopt AI systems that lack clear ethical standards? How should universities think about responsibility, governance, and values when integrating emerging technologies into teaching, research, and operations? And what guardrails must be in place to ensure that innovation does not come at the expense of dignity, safety, and trust? A timely reflection on AI, accountability, and the future of ethical decision-making in higher education.

In this episode of the Unofficial Office Hours podcast, host Justin Hodgson is joined by Dr. Sarah Fisher, Assistant Professor of Writing Studies at the University of Miami, and returning guest Remi Kalir as co-host, for a rich conversation about vlogging, visibility, and public-facing scholarship in higher education.We explore Sarah’s work as a YouTuber and scholar of rhetoric and writing, feminist rhetorics, embodiment, and multimodal composition—examining how academic vlogging functions as a disruptive practice that challenges traditional norms of scholarly work. Sarah reflects on her life vlogging approach, how building content and community through YouTube shaped her research, and what it means to think, write, and teach with a public facing orientation to her work.The conversation also turns to academic identity and transition, unpacking Sarah’s move from graduate student to tenure-track faculty and the opportunities and tensions that come with navigating both traditional and non-traditional academic spaces. Together, we consider what vlogging reveals about power, labor, care, and culture in academia—and how digital media can open new pathways for connection, creativity, and scholarly belonging.Check out Sarah's work here: web - professorsarahfischer.comYouTube - @SarahFischerVlogs

In this episode of the Unofficial Office Hours podcast, host Dr. Justin Hodgson is joined by Dr. Sheneese Thompson for a wide-ranging and timely conversation about where higher education is headed with AI—and whether institutions are moving too quickly, not quickly enough, or in all the wrong ways. Drawing on headlines, classroom practices, and student perspectives, the conversation explores resistance to AI in education, student perspective (and faculty assumptions) about AI, and whether the college essay as we know it is due for reinvention.We also dig into Dr. Thompson’s designing of engaging, student-centered learning experiences that use low-lift AI tools—like Adobe Podcast—to empower students with agency, creativity, and ownership over their work. This episode closes by looking ahead: What do we hope for higher education in 2026?

In this episode of The Unofficial Office Hours podcast, host Dr. Justin Hodgson is joined by Dr. Miranda Rodak, Senior Lecturer and Associate Director of the Communication and Professional Skills Department at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. With extensive cross-disciplinary teaching experience—spanning writing, rhetoric, communication, and business—Dr. Rodak brings an incredible blend of pedagogical depth, innovation, and leadership to the conversation.Together, we explore her highly successful and widely discussed Hire AI assignment and how it reframes student writing by positioning AI as a consultant rather than a shortcut. We also trace Dr. Rodak’s journey across disciplines—transitioning from the Kelley School of Business to English and then back again—and unpack what those shifts reveal about the differing epistemologies, expectations, and cultures within higher education. Along the way, we talk about the unique ways business education responds to disruption, the growing tension between task-based instruction and deeper learning objectives, and how students thrive when we emphasize growth, agility, and multimodal digital literacy.Fueled by Dr. Rodak's expertise in faculty development, generative AI, and active learning design, this episode offers not only fun conversation amongst friends, but rich insights into what it means to teach, create, and lead in an AI-enabled world. A thoughtful and energizing conversation for anyone invested in the future of learning and classroom innovation.

In this episode of the Unofficial Office Hours podcast, host Dr. Justin Hodgson is joined by Dr. Kevin Jones, AI Strategist, Associate Professor of Management, and Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at IU Columbus. Recorded while Dr. Jones was on location at the World Summit AI in Doha, Qatar, this conversation brings a uniquely global lens to the rapidly evolving relationship between AI, higher education, industry, and organizational change.We take a quick-hitting approach to some of the big questions shaping innovation in higher ed today before delving more deeply into specific areas: How is AI accelerating—not just disrupting—traditional models of teaching and learning? What does the backlash to AI actually reveal about faculty identity and institutional culture? And how do campus leaders and instructors prepare students for a professional world that’s adopting AI far faster than universities?Dr. Jones shares insights from both his change-management scholarship and his conversations at the Summit, arguing that we’re not living in the age of AI so much as the age of accelerated transformation. Together, we situate these rapid shifts in the broader landscape of higher education and explore what they mean for students, faculty, and the future of institutional leadership.A fast, thoughtful, globally informed conversation about the road ahead for teaching, learning, and innovation.

In this episode of the Unofficial Office Hours podcast, host Justin Hodgson is joined by Dr. Remi Kalir, Associate Director of Faculty Development and Applied Research at Duke University’s Learning Innovation and Lifetime Education. Dr. Kalir is an accomplished author whose two books on annotation explore both how annotation supports learning and how the act of annotating can meaningfully shape public discourse, agency, and power.The conversation ranges widely—in the best ways—touching on dignity in higher education, the evolving landscape of AI, whether higher education is facing a true digital fluency crisis among faculty, emerging approaches to professional development, and the critical pedagogical and cultural importance of annotation. It’s a rich, layered discussion about what it means to teach, learn, and lead in a moment of profound digital transformation.Unofficial Office Hours is part of the EdUp Experience Podcast Network

The Unofficial Office Hours podcast is where higher education drops the formalities and gets real about teaching, technology, and transforming a campus culture. Each week, host Dr. Justin Hodgson brings together a rotating crew of campus insiders, technologists, and educators to talk about what’s actually happening in higher education—candidly exploring the intersections of teaching and learning, technology, student success, and digital innovation.From AI in the curriculum to higher education and industry partnerships, Unofficial Office Hours is equal parts conversation, critique, and community. Regular co-hosts bring their own “beats” to the conversation — teaching and learning, digital strategy, student experience, leadership, change management — while special guests join to spark honest, sometimes provocative dialogue about what’s working, what’s broken, and what’s next for higher ed.No jargon. No PR spin. Just smart people having real (fun) conversations about how universities are (or should be) adapting, experimenting, and learning their way into the future.